News1 min ago
Blackpool
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I think the Mac Lad is spot on. There are many many more pleasant places to visit than Blackpool and yes it is not cheap. We went there recently to see a couple of friends and stayed in a hotel - dear God what a hovel. It was flagged by the local council as four star!!!!! If you absolutely must get it out of your system stay in the Travel Inn / Lodge near the airport. It is only a bus ride from the tower and has guarenteed standards whilst being inexpensive I think around fifty pounds a night for a double.
Take a tip like go to Prague with a budget airline from Stansted and have a cheap weekend. Loads of inexpensive and clean hotels, fabulous place and cheap, quick and easy to get there.
Many coach companies offer short breaks, but there is usually plentiful accommodation available at all sorts of prices. If all else fails why don't a few of you get together, share the driving [only 200 miles or so each way] and make a day trip out of it? Going by rail takes forever and is ultra expensive.
Blackpool is an absolute must. I was there earlier this year with friends for a fantastic weekend. We got a really good deal at the morbidly charming Grand Metropole - you may not be so lucky when the Illuminations are on.
The Tower is a must, not cheap but it includes the excellent circus (don't scoff - it really is very good) and tickets are cheaper if you buy them online.
As other posters have pointed out, there are "nicer" places elswhere, but that's not the point. It is not just one but several parallel universes. One minute you're in the baroque decadence of the Tower Ballroom, next minute tiptoeing gingerly through bodily fluids donated generously on the pavements outside.
Have a great time!